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Open Poetry #35
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Judas
| Open Poetry #35 |
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Judas |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass 
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Judas It isn’t enough to walk among these sticks, to tell myself I feel the bare life of sap in them, will my eyes to see trees where there are none; It isn’t enough to crawl over this hill’s spine until the rock juts, this skull of Earth, see the arid grass flecked red, a failed spring; It isn’t enough to hear the rolls of thunder without lightning, feel the world’s agony as it shakes down to the core of its core; It isn’t enough to see men, one, two, three, this one’s dead eyes that bear down on mine still intent as life, intent with life below his death; It isn’t enough, as I collapse to knees, to face, isn’t enough to realize, to accept, to will myself there in his place, to realize I did this; It isn’t enough to throw the coins away, and this rope is not enough, too thin, too thin to bear the weight of what I did to him; One thing only is enough, one final cleansing of my hands before I die; one prayer, accepted before I kneel, then on to a peace of my own. |
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| © Copyright 2005 Ed Ratledge - All Rights Reserved | |||
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MGROVES
since 2004-02-01
Posts 3802california |
 excellant  My spirit will rise |
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Sadelite Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519 |
VERY MOVING! "It isn’t enough to crawl over this hill’s spine until the rock juts, this skull of Earth," From this I visualize his two hands compressing his skull, trying to squeeze out deeds done. You have such a talent for imagery, Ed. In my opinion this is brilliant and thought provoking. ~sadie |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
wow |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I always wondered if he would find peace... was he forgiven? Or was he merely at the place intended that this Story might live forever in man's history? Excellent portrayal of what his thoughts could very well have encompassed, Ed. |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
Wow...shook me to see these images. To see beyond the eyes of betrayal...most certainly upon one's self. Compassion becomes a factor only after justice has done her cleansing. You wrote this very well. TD |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Ed This is an amazing work or art and empathy...so clearly telling and the imagery so excellent, that I was there in place and heart. Thank you.  |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
 Love & Light, EA |
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Huan Yi Member Ascendant
since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688Waukegan |
Judas It wasn’t enough to walk among these sticks, telling myself I felt the bare life of sap in them, willing my eyes to see trees where there are none; enough to crawl over this hill’s spine until the rock juts, this skull of Earth, seeing the arid grass flecked red, a failed spring; to hear the rolls of thunder without lightning, feel the world’s agony as it shook down to the core of its core; It wasn’t enough to see men, one, two, three, this one’s dead eyes that bore down on mine still intent as life, intent with life below his death; It wasn’t enough, as I collapsed to knees, to face, enough to realize, accept, to will myself there in his place, to realize I’d done this; It wasn’t enough to throw the coins away, and this rope is not enough, too thin, too thin to bear the weight of what I did; One thing only then will be enough, one last cleansing of my hands before I die; one prayer, accepted before I kneel, then finally, if our God is kind, to a peace of my own. RL, This is good. I think it’s a feat when someone can step away from himself and into another head. Again good. John PS Oddly I thought of George who I wrote a CBE about in "Boston Road" |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Excellent! What more can I say. best,marty |
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littlewing Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655New York |
Ed, you know, weird, but I have a special place in my heart for Judas . . . because he loved Jesus, he did and he was human and made mistakes and was forgiven and what you have written, My God . . . is how I would like to believe that is exactly how he felt. |
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River Senior Member
since 2003-09-16
Posts 627my own little world |
I felt this deeply. we all fall down....and it's clear that sometimes when we do we relate ourselves to Judas, wich i've done before also. hugs to you, for a great poem! - River How can I stand here and not be moved by you? - Lifehouse |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
nice write |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
It isn't enough to read this again and again and again... even though I'm more amazed by the brilliance of it with each read. In the treasurehouse of priceless gems that is your poetry... this one has a special shine. It's powerful and poignant... and paints a vivid portrait of someone so often shown as one-dimensional... Superb!!! |
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saved_by_grace Member
since 2005-01-08
Posts 332In the arms of God... |
WOW...AMAZING WRITE, Ratleader!!! Loved it!! Becka |
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Copperbell Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956 |
I loved the imagery you used - I have nothing original to comment, just that I liked it |
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Paul Wilson
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711United States |
Ed...This has got too be the most heart touching words I have read in a very long time. Judas couldn't forgive himself for what he did, but Jesus forgave him as he forgives us for our sins if we repent...Paul ~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~ |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
I have nothing new to add. This is brilliant, outstanding, emotionally overwhelming. Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Hey there Mr Rat  Truly this is a fantastic write and I enjoyed reading it so much. So very moving. a "keeper: Mxx and i knew in the crystalline knowledge of you |
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jellybeans Member Elite
since 2000-10-13
Posts 2298 |
excellant!! *jb applauds* |
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